Mechanical, thermal, and curing characteristics of renewable phenol-hydroxymethylfurfural resin for application in bio-composites

Zhang, Yongsheng; Nanda, Malaya; Tymchyshyn, Matthew; Yuan, Zhongshun; Xu, Chunbao

Mechanical, thermal, and curing characteristics of renewable phenol-hydroxymethylfurfural resin for application in bio-composites

2016

Zhang, Yongsheng | Nanda, Malaya | Tymchyshyn, Matthew | Yuan, Zhongshun | Xu, Chunbao

Fiberglass-reinforced composites composed of a matrix based on novolac-type phenol-hydroxymethylfurfural (PHMF) resins were developed. Using hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) as a cross-linker, the curing process of the PHMF–HMTA was monitored by thermogravimetric analysis–FTIR analysis, and no formaldehyde emission was detected. The influence of hardener addition from 10–20 wt% was evaluated by mechanical properties, thermal stabilities, and thermochemical properties. Tensile and flexural strengths were as high as 115 and 145 MPa, respectively. The results revealed that the addition of HMTA to PHMF resin led to higher thermal stability of the resin, increased FRC tensile strength and crosslink density. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that ~15 wt% HMTA addition is optimal. This study demonstrated that PHMF resin can be used as a polymer matrix for the production of green composites with zero formaldehyde emission upon heating.

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